Overview
Ottawa Tourism's vision is to be one of Canada's most visited, sustainable, vibrant, and valued urban destinations and the tourism authority for key economic development and city-building decisions in Ottawa. Ottawa Tourism's mission is to market and sell Ottawa as a compelling leisure and business destination and lead or participate in initiatives that improve Ottawa's visitor experience. We contribute to the broader economic development objectives of the city and the success of our stakeholders and, by doing so, enrich the quality of life for all Ottawa residents.
As a key position within the Business Events Department, the Manager, Business Events contributes to the overall organizational mission and vision by bringing excellence to the critical field of Business Events sales. Reporting to the Director Sales, Business & Major Events, the incumbent is responsible for building and maintaining a full roster of clients and potential clients in the Canadian market. To succeed in this role, the incumbent should possess confidence and a positive attitude and have a strong history of demonstrating talent, creativity and success in a rapid sales cycle environment. With a passion for the Business Events market and a commitment to building Ottawa's reputation as a destination of choice within this market, the incumbent must be a strategic and operational thinker as well as a client manager who is able to convert relationships and client interest into the successful realization of business objectives. As a resourceful and independent decision-maker, the Manager, Business Events is expected to think and to act independently while also possessing a strong ability to work as a member of a team. This successful candidate will be Ottawa-based.
This position is based out of the Ottawa Tourism offices in beautiful downtown Ottawa. Ottawa Tourism employs a hybrid work model, with some ability for all employees to work remotely. In some cases, certain positions will have an ongoing requirement to maintain a physical presence in the office. Such details will be discussed during the application process.
Key Competencies
Understanding of and appreciation for the general scope of the sales role within a destination marketing context, with particular focus on business events
Managerial-level communication and presentation skills
Strong ability to prioritize, manage and complete projects, and think strategically
Willingness to act as a key contributor in a fast-paced organization
Ability to accept direct responsibility for initiatives and concerns that are vital to the organizational success of the business events sales function
Ability to build and maintain external relationships; high level of competence in client/stakeholder management
Broad flexibility in outlook, task orientation, working style, and approach
Willingness to serve as an organizational subject matter expert in all areas related to the M&C business
Strong commitment to continuous self-improvement and to the improvement of the business events sales function
Primary Areas of Responsibility
Generate and manage leads; foster relationships with potential clients
Develop, cultivate, and manage client accounts with a goal of converting these relationships into actionable outcomes that align with the organization's strategic sales goals
Assist the Business Events and Marketing teams in building brand awareness for the destination, with a view to securing the long-term success and value of Ottawa as a top Business Events destination
Identify accounts and opportunities for Ottawa Tourism's members; maintain strong relations with members in order to understand needs and requirements, and to maintain full awareness of the unique value propositions offered by the organization's diverse member businesses
Manage and/or assist in the preparation of customized bid proposals; conduct bid presentations; liaise with bid stakeholders as necessary, with a view to securing the success of bids
Plan, manage, and host client site inspections and familiarization (FAM) tours
Provide feedback to the supervisor and to other senior members of the Ottawa Tourism team in the development of quarterly and annual sales goals
Serve as a subject matter expert in assigned market(s)
Perform all duties and requirements of the position while acting with integrity, honesty, and enthusiasm
Assist supervisor (or other senior leader as directed) in the development and execution of projects and organizational initiatives as required and directed
Contribute as a key member of the Business Events Department, helping to define, refine, and champion the team's strategic goals, operational priorities, and long-term vision
Work collaboratively and in partnership with key members of the Ottawa Tourism team
Work collaboratively and in partnership with key external stakeholders; manage stakeholder relations to achieve maximum impact and success
Act as an exemplary ambassador for Ottawa Tourism at all external events, as directed and required
Desired Qualifications
Post-secondary education in a relevant discipline (Business Administration, Marketing, Communications or Finance)
5 years' experience in sales, ideally in the Business Events
Comfortable with cross-cultural communications and international business norms and standards
Strong organizational and administrative skills
Proficiency in all aspects of Microsoft Office software; comfortable working with CRM platforms and any other required technologies
Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills
Excellent written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work with limited supervision, multi-task and meet sales targets
Strong commitment to personal professional development
Ability to work as part of a team, including a willingness to work towards the continual improvement of team performance
Proven abilities in building partnerships and collaborative, long-term working relationships
Demonstrated experience working in a sales capacity in the Canadian, US, or international markets
Ability to work outside normal business hours
Ability and eligibility to travel internationally, and to maintain a regular domestic and international travel schedule on behalf of the organization
Demonstrated experience and skill in overseeing and managing projects throughout the entire project life cycle
Assets
Bilingual (English and French)
Additional language capabilities, preferably in a language relevant to an Ottawa Tourism market
Any additional educational qualifications or training relevant to the position
The Hiring Process
1. Initial Phone Screen
2. In-Depth Interview
3. Peer Interview
4. Interview with the Vice-President Sales, Business & Major Events
5. Reference checks
6. Offer
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